New Memo Shows Archbishop Being Deceptive; SNAP Responds

SNAP
August 11, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/mo_new_memo_shows_archbishop_being_deceptive_snap_responds

“Find a suitable cover story. . . so that this thing does not blow up.” That's what then-Bishop Robert Carlson wrote to his boss about a credibly accused predator priest.

That priest was finally removed from active ministry just a few months ago.

Carlson now heads the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The memo, written in 1985, was made public this morning in Minnesota.

It is yet another example – in Carlson's own words – of his willingness to deceive the public and his own parishioners about child molesting clerics.

Let's see how Carlson spins this one. Let's see what possible excuse he offers to “explain away” such Machiavellian, self-serving and irresponsible advice from one professed spiritual figure to another.

Our guess is that he'll ignore this, even though these are his words, in writing, while he was a bishop. (We hope St. Louis Catholics, citizens, and journalists won't let him ignore it.) Will Carlson claim that 20+ years ago, he didn't know lying was wrong?

The cleric involved, Fr. Kenneth LaVan, allegedly threatened one of his victims “about possibly burning down the house ... 'or have your husband murdered, but I am not that kind of person,' " Carlson quoted LaVan as saying.

We challenge Carlson to 'man up' and admit that in this case and others, he actively deceived and deceives the public in clergy sex cases.